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Old 02-23-2013, 12:03 PM   #54
The Coppernian One
Crash and Bang Winger
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Three Hills
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Edmonton needs a few things. Dubnyk has been all they need at this moment and not a concern. It remains to be seen if he will continue that.

The need a defensive upgrade on Whitney and Nick Schultz. A top end defensive dman, but that's not a surprise.

Top 6 grit, but it's coming, I think. Hall has been much more physical (Clutterbuck incident aside) and is developing that part of his game. Yakupov has also shown he's alright laying the body, but both are young and need to get stronger physically at the NHL level. On top of this they still need a "drive the net" power type of guy in the top 6. I think a bigger part of this is attitude. Even Gagner is 200 lbs but doesn't have that angry edge. Kruger talks about the need to play angry but thus far it hasn't really shown on the ice.

The Oilers are also guilty of buying into their own hype and are often guilty of trying to overskill the other team. Too many attempts at highlight reel goals instead of taking the shot when it's there. A lot of generated scoring chances that don't even result in a shot or attempted shot. Garbage goals count too. Most of their games have been close, so if they figure this out they could do well (still not contend), question in this short season is do they figure it out.
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